The Batwa Trail Experience in Uganda

For quite a long time till of late when the Batwa the pygmy community were displaced from the thick rain forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga in south western Uganda that are famously known for mountain gorilla trekking safaris. The forests where a self contained home to these pygmies, they got fundamentals of life right in the Forest, for example shelter, sustenance by hunting, medicine by use of traditional herbs.

The Batwa People (Pygmies)

Who are the Batwa Pygmies?

The Batwa are the group of the hunting people who lived all their lives hunting animals and gathering fruits and honey for nourishment. The Batwa come form the word ‘twa’ which implies dwarf and additionally refers to short forest people who lived in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks bordering Rwanda & Democratic Republic of Congo. By stature, the Batwas are noticeably short something like 4feet in tallness and carried on with a Stone Age life. They hunted small animals using poison bows and arrows. They also lived in small shelter made with leaves between big tree limbs for protection from predators. They use to move place to place within the forest in search for food, water and new homes, that is to say they where nomads in nature. They used hard wood and stones to light fire, cutting and digging.

How the Batwa life changed?

In the end Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Forest were gazetted into National Parks in 1992 deliberately to secure the rare and endangered mountain gorillas yet this was not in the favour of the Batwa people who knew no other home however the Forest, they had to begin a whole new life from what they were using to for eras. Great news is much as they can no more leave in the forest, they have an opportunity to go back this time an income generating visit to the forest throughout the Batwa trail when they get to demonstrate to tourists how they once lived.

What happens during the Batwa Trail?

This activity was a thought of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the seniors dressed backcloth heads you to the forest to the trails they once knew and reveal to you how they lived in the woods, you get to see their small shelters, show how they hunted and lit fire, how they used herbs for medicine, and this adventure ends at the holy Ngarama Cave which was a palace for their King.

This is the thing that you will encounter.

Spooky singing echoes in the Ngarama Cave enjoy traditional exhibitions, a forest stroll with amazing perspectives of the national park, watch how fire is lit without a matchbox or lighter and so much more.

Why your Visit is Important

By tourists taking this activity, you significantly help the welfare of the Batwa people. In the first they feel at euphoria when they come back to the forest their former home this gives them affectionate memories and satisfaction. Also the fee you pay goes back to the community helping to enhance the standard of living by building and maintaining schools, hospital and clinics, water and sanitation projects.

Thirdly all pygmies who partake in the Batwa trail activity whether by guiding or making exhibitions are paid, this method they earn a living and to cater to families. It’s extremely significant that when you arrange a cheap Uganda safari try to include the Batwa trail, your visits means a lot to this community or forest exiles.

For more information about The Batwa People and tours in Uganda and Rwanda, contact African Jungle Adventures, the official sponsors of this article, and specialists in Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari Adventures. They are located on Kampala and Kigali. Email: info@rwandasafarigorilla.com, Website: http://www.rwandasafarigorilla.com, Tel: +256-772561508